Buy the Truth
A guest post by Chad Ramsey.
In some instances, the value of an item depends upon the one who is interested in it.
For example, if one has an emotional attachment to an item, say a family heirloom, he or she might be willing to pay much more for that item than one who has no vested interest.
With that being said, some things are equally valuable to all. Truth, as the writer of Proverbs notes, is one of those things. Thus, Proverbs 23:23 states:
“Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
Let’s consider why truth is valuable.
Truth is Associated with Goodness and Righteousness.
First, truth is associated with both goodness and righteousness.
Solomon wrote: “He who speaks truth declares righteousness…” (Proverbs 12:17); and, “…mercy and truth belong to those who devise good” (Proverbs 14:22). Instead of promoting error, those who speak the truth promote what is right.
For this reason, those who wish to do good must seek truth above all else.
God’s Word is Truth.
Second, God’s Word is described as truth.
Whether it was the psalmist writing: “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:160); or Jesus declaring: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17); it is vital we understand that what God’s Word says about a matter settles it.
Truth Sets Us Free.
Third, truth sets us free.
Jesus said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Because our freedom depends upon truth, and because our Savior is truth (see John 14:6), it is clear why we are told to buy it.
Truth is a treasure!
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.